Simple tips to improve the middle game

The real action in chess takes place in the middle game, which is often, the lengthiest part of the game. Most of you will agree that as you start playing chess and gained a certain degree of skill, the opening part of the game is routine one with most of the moves either memorized or mastered, depending upon the style of your play.

The middle game in chess is the battle. Though the opening sets the stage for how the battle plays out, there are specific choices to be made as to how to approach the protracted struggle.

There are two different ways of approaching chess, and the emphasis of the middle game depends upon a player's approach. One of the methods is to create a positional strong-hold early on and play a careful, progressive game that exploits the weakness in your opponent's position, slowly pushing a material advantage until you gain absolute dominance. The other method is to be more experimental, where the chess strategies and tactics have been exploited to the core to gain an upper hand over the opponent.

The difference between the two approaches is that of an advancing army compared to tactical guerrilla warfare. A great chess mind can conquer the middle game through positional advantage alone, even if they may seem impossibly outstripped in material. Controlling the center of the board is the goal in chess, but there are specific squares that a great player will seek to conquer.

For the experimental middle game, these guidelines apply:

1. Position over material.
2. Give until it hurts.
3. Do not trap your king.
4. Be fearless.

Position over material: By this guideline, the position is given more importance than the material in that position. It has been a misconception that losing Queen would tantamount to losing the game. This guideline is meant to overthrow that misconception. No piece or material is important than its position. If your pieces are cramped and/or could not make the desired advances, then they are futile. One should be aware that there are opportunities that arise for those willing to sacrifice a rook for a pawn. As a player, one must have the skill to execute the trap once it is set, without giving more importance to the material and see each piece for it's capabilities alone. It is a fact that the position of the lowliest members of chess rank, the pawn, often determines the outcome of a game.

'Give until it hurts': As a chess player, you should not waste valuable moves protecting pieces that are not intrinsic to your game plan. Once you see how to trap your opponent, determine which pieces are necessary, and allow others to be sacrificed by way of distraction, and to give your opponent a false sense of confidence.

'Do not trap your king': The purpose of the game is to capture the opponent's King. It also means that your king should not be allowed to be captured by the opponent. You must protect your king. As such, be aware of threats to your monarch, and do not hedge him into a position where he can not escape. The experimental game requires attention to many pieces, so freedom of movement for your king is more important than a great fortress of pieces to protect him. You do not want to tie up all your material for defensive purposes.

Be fearless: Finally, the brilliant middle game is not by nature consistent. You can not be a perfectionist and improve at the same time. Leave perfectionism for the safe, advancing middle game players. Do not be afraid to fail, or you will find yourself too stunted to succeed.